7 Summer Music Programs for High School Students in South Carolina
If you’re a high school musician in the Southeast region hoping to find a summer music program, then this article is for you! In this list of summer music programs in South Carolina, you’ll find information about application deadlines, program structures, eligibility, and more.
Attending a music program or internship can provide valuable experiences that deepen your understanding of and appreciation for the art form. Engaging in these programs will allow you to refine your skills, learn from industry professionals, and collaborate with like-minded peers.
Moreover, early exposure to music programs can enhance your college application by demonstrating a strong commitment to the field. This indicates to colleges that you not only play an instrument but that you’re talented enough to attend a selective music program and that you seek challenges outside the classroom.
Here are 7 summer music programs for high school students in South Carolina:
For one week during the summer, student musicians from across the country are invited to perform on Furman University’s campus as part of the Furman University Band and Orchestra Camp. Students are first sorted into one of four ensembles: a full orchestra, a string orchestra, and two concert bands. Students then participate in ensemble rehearsals twice a day, in addition to sectionals, master classes, and courses in subjects such as conducting, music history, etc.
After a week of intensive music education, students perform a concert with their ensemble on the last day of the program. Participants might also choose to participate in private lessons, where they will work closely with an experienced musician to improve their technique and fundamental understanding of music.
Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost:
Resident campers: $650
Commuters: $525
Private lessons: $35/half hour
Scholarships available
Eligibility:
Open to students aged 12-18
High school students must have at least 3 years of study and ensemble experience
In terms of “Suzuki-training”
Violinists must be at Suzuki Book 6 level or higher
Viola, cello, and double bass players must be at Suzuki Book 5 level or higher
Application dates: Registration begins February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 9 – 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The CSU Summer Music Camp provides students in grades 4-12 with a week of intensive study in “Choir & Musical Theater,” “Band & Orchestra,” or “Piano.” You will be guided by university professors and music educators from the region, honing both your individual performance skills and ensemble understanding. Throughout the camp’s one-week duration, you will participate in ensemble rehearsals, masterclasses, and sectional rehearsals as well as social activities. You may also participate in private lessons; piano campers are automatically enrolled in private lessons. On the last day of camp, you will perform in recitals and concerts for the public.
Campers in “Band & Orchestra” will attend daily sectionals and masterclasses and participate in an hour-long music elective of their choice. Campers in “Choir & Musical Theater” will participate in various activities, such as small theater sketches or large chamber choirs. Lastly, students in the “Piano” camp will receive instruction in music theory, piano literature, technique, solo and duet performances, etc.
Location: Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC
Cost:
Resident campers: $360
Commuters: $300
Piano campers: $60 to cover all their private lessons
Private lesson standard cost: $30/half hour
Eligibility:
Students in grades 4-12
Piano campers are required to have performed on the piano for at least two years and should bring at least two pieces of classical solo literature that they are ready to perform
Application dates: Registration begins February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 17 – 22, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The University of South Carolina Gamecock Music Camp is designed for rising high school students interested in band, choral, and jazz. You will receive instruction from USC Music’s faculty and guest teachers, along with opportunities to perform in large and small ensembles. A day at the Gamecock Music Camp might include rehearsals and music-related activities, resident dinners, and social events. At the end of the camp, you will perform in a concert at the Koger Center for the Arts.
Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Cost:
Resident campers: $450 (open to high school students only)
Commuters: $350
Eligibility:
Band and Jazz: Rising 7th-12th graders
Choral: Rising 10th-12th graders
Application deadline: May 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 19 – 22, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts offers a summer program for students interested in classical music studies. The program has multiple tracks: voice, composition and songwriting, jazz band and orchestra, band and orchestra, piano ensemble, piano solo and chamber music intensive, or strings solo and chamber music intensive. Each track is a residential program that acts as a one-week intensive workshop. Within each track, students will work under professional musicians and teachers, participating in private lessons, masterclasses, and ensemble experiences.
Location: SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, SC
Cost: $800. Financial assistance available
Eligibility: South Carolina students in grades 7-9. Most tracks require a video audition
Application dates: Priority deadline is January 8, 2025
Program Dates: Varies according to track, usually one week in June/July
The Fine Arts Center’s summer intensive is a four-day program that offers music students in-depth study in their chosen discipline: jazz studies, percussion, recording arts, strings, and winds. The program is designed to help students audition for the Fine Arts Center in the future and is dedicated to improving skills and technique. You will receive individualized attention from faculty and participate in public performances throughout the program. Each discipline has a morning and afternoon session: the morning session is for more novice students who hope to improve their fundamentals; the afternoon session is for more advanced students.
Location: Fine Arts Center, Greenville, SC
Cost:
Students at a Title I school may attend tuition-free (Berea MS or HS, Carolina Academy, Lakeview MS, Tanglewood MS, Southside HS)
Others will need to pay an undisclosed tuition to attend the FAC summer intensive
Eligibility: Middle or high schoolers who plan to audition for the FAC
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
Program Dates: June 2 – 5, 2025
The Furman Summer Jazz Camp is a joint program between Furman University’s Music department and the non-profit Greenville Jazz Collective, designed to immerse high school students in jazz performance. You will take classes in jazz theory, improvisation, and jazz history, participate in evening faculty recitals, social events, and practice sessions, and perform in a final concert. A typical day might include a rhythm section special topics class, a jazz history class, a listening class, combo rehearsal, master classes, a band rehearsal, a jam session, and an evening recital. Students will be taught by members of the Greenville Jazz Collective.
Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost:
Residential campers: $575
Commuters: $455
Eligibility: High school students
Application Dates: Registration begins February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 23 – 27, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
The Young Artist Vocal Experience is a one-week summer intensive program for high school singers. A variety of vocal styles are taught, including musical theater, opera, sacred, art song, and oratorio. You will be taught by Furman University voice faculty and alumni and will work through a series of classes, recitals, and more. A typical day might include a class on performance anxiety, a masterclass, an acting class, a faculty recital, and social events. You also have the option of taking private lessons to work more closely with a private instructor. At the end of the program, everyone will perform in a closing recital.
Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost:
Residential campers: $640
Commuters: $520
Private lessons: $35/half hour
Eligibility:
High school students
Students should bring two performance-ready works for masterclasses/recitals and 3-4 additional works for further study
Application Dates: Registration begins February 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 6 – 11, 2025
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Amelia is a current senior at Harvard College studying art history with a minor in economics. She’s enthusiastic about music, movies, and writing, and is excited to help Lumiere’s students as much as she can!
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